I n the opening shot of the Sophie Turner-starring crime drama Joan , we see a flash-forward to the feisty protagonist at the top of her game as a diamond thief. “This shot establishes the look and tone of the whole show,” explains DOP Pedro Cardillo. Surrounded by cash and diamond rings, the scene shows Joan’s criminal lifestyle, but also hints at her traumatic background: “The character is in a glamorous environment – but she doesn’t belong there.” With the Pretenders’ Brass in Pocket playing, we’re planted in a hotel suite. DOP Pedro Cardillo on Joan’s opening scene
“To engage the audience and present all the information in this scene, the director and I imagined a long track that starts wide, with the actor’s back to the camera. We could see all the glamour of this five-star room, but then the camera moves slowly toward her back until we can see several scars. This shot presents contrasting information that puzzles the audience and triggers curiosity.” The scene cuts to a reverse angle via a mirror, showing Joan applying makeup and donning a wig, before tracking back to reveal her outfit and
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